Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a “heatwave,” and how does it differ from regular warm weather? Can you recall any personal experiences or news stories related to heatwaves? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. scorching /SKAWR-ching/ [adjective] – hot or burning The scorching sun made the pavement too hot to walk on barefoot. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to emphasize or draw attention to something The speaker used graphs and charts to highlight the key points of the presentation. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having great extent The national park had an…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think sea stars look like? How do you imagine sea stars moving and living in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – traditional and ordinary The small town’s celebration adhered to conventional festivities, with families gathering for a traditional parade and a feast of ordinary yet cherished dishes. boast /bohst/ [verb] – to have or possess something to be proud of The accomplished author could boast a vast collection of published novels, each contributing to the literary world in its own unique way….
Read more

©Mercedes-Benz AG Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the brand Mercedes-Benz? How would you interpret the meaning of “electric concept cars”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exceed /ik-SEED/ [verb] – to be greater than a number or amount, or to go past an allowed limit The electric car’s range exceeds 300 miles on a single charge, making it a compelling choice for long-distance travelers. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The museum’s special exhibit will feature rare artifacts from ancient civilizations,…
Read more

©Nick Upton/Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are some common challenges or threats that forests around the world face today? How important do you think forests are in terms of their contributions to the environment and human well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Despite their efforts, the decline in sales was noticeable. collapse /kuh-LAPS/ [noun] – a serious and sudden deterioration or breakdown The collapse of the old bridge was a shocking event for the town. extensive…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is land formed in different geographical locations around the world? Can you provide examples of different processes that lead to the formation of land? Have you ever heard of or seen a newly formed island? If so, how do you think such islands are created? If not, have you ever been curious about natural phenomena like islands forming? If so, what sparked your interest in such topics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. volcano / vol-KEY-noh / [noun] – a mountain or hill with a vent through which molten rock…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animals do you know of that have stripes on their bodies? How do these stripes help them in their natural habitats? Have you ever wondered why zebras have stripes? What are some possible explanations for their stripes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conduct /kuhn-DUHKT/ [verb] – to carry out or perform a particular action, experiment, or investigation The scientist will conduct an experiment to test the new hypothesis. leopard /LEP-erd / [noun] – a large, wild cat with a distinctive pattern of dark spots on its fur We saw…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which ancient structures or landmarks have fascinated you? What are some ancient structures or landmarks in your country that fascinate people or attract tourists? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. theory /THEE-uh-ree/ [noun] – a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or explanation The scientist presented a groundbreaking theory that revolutionized our understanding of the universe. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something…
Read more

©ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the word “telescope” refers to? How do you imagine a telescope works, and what do you think it is used for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away The mountain range appeared distant, shrouded in mist and mystery. capture /KAP-cher/ [verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera The photographer captured the essence of the city’s vibrant street life through his lens. enable /en-EY-buhl/ [verb] – to make someone or something able to do something,…
Read more

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “bedbug”? Have you ever encountered or heard of bedbug problems in your area or in the news? What information can you share about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. specialized /SPESH-uh-lahyzd/ [adjective] – relating to one particular area or designed for a particular purpose: The chef used a specialized knife to carve the beautiful ice sculpture for the party. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, leading to illness He got an infection after…
Read more

©Hindustan Times Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about space exploration? What do you think are some of the key reasons that drive countries and organizations to explore outer space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or noticeable The discovery of a new species in the rainforest is a significant contribution to our understanding of biodiversity. phase /feyz/ [noun] – any stage in a series of events or in a process of development The construction of the new skyscraper is entering its final phase, with…
Read more